Picking Lampshades & Picture Frames that Won't Break the Bank
How to Pick Lampshades
A few weeks ago, I got a “Dear Style Snacks” question about how to pick out lampshades. There are many schools of thought when it comes to lampshades. Here is a great GUIDE to picking a lampshade. I also think it’s really important to consider how you want to light certain areas and how you want that area to feel; this is a lovely article about "Lampscaping.” Personally, I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to do lampshades, because it’s as unique as getting dressed. Someone might like a lot of color, someone might like a lot of contrast between the lamp and the shade, and someone might want a simple look. Here are my own personal guidelines to choosing lampshades.
Try many different lampshades with your lamp. Bring your lamp to a store, like Shades of Light here in Richmond, and try many different shades on and turn the light on to see if it’s giving the vibe you want it to. If that’s not an option, order several lampshades to try at home.
Play with different textured lampshades (sheer, fabric, linen, rattan, paper, silk, etc) to lighten the room or add something interesting (and maybe unexpected) to the space. For example, if a room is neutral, you can add a pop of color with a fun lampshade.
Think about how you dress. If I’m wearing bright or busy pants, then I’m going to wear a classic, solid top. If my lamp is colorful or has a design/pattern on it, I will go with a simpler lampshade. Maybe you like mixing patterns, maybe you like traditional looks, or maybe you’re interested in something with a bit of flare. Your home and design should reflect you as a person.
Think about shape. It’s often flattering to look at the shape of your lamp and consider a shade with a similar shape. If my lamp is curvy, maybe I consider a tapered shade. If my lamp is square, maybe I consider a straight shade. Tip: Think about dressing someone. You wouldn’t dress a curvy body in a straight, shapeless outfit. And you wouldn’t dress a boyish figure in a curvy, billowing outfit that would swallow them.
Don’t forget the inside of the lampshade. This is overlooked and underrated. A trick some designers like to use is to paint the inside of the lampshade to create specific lighting in a room. Pink is a popular color used to bring warmth to a room. The entire inside of a lampshade can be painted or a few dabs of paint can be strategically placed for lighting purposes.
Have fun! Lighting is an accessory like jewelry. You can really transform a space with it.
Below are some of my favorite lampshades at the moment…
1. Foil Paper Round Tapered Lamp Shade ($124) 2. Brookings Petite Table Lamp Shade ($115) 3. Rattan Empire Shade ($75) 4. Leopard Shade ($37) 5. Printed Lamp Shade ($89) 6. Rattan Spider Shade ($65) 7. Hexagon Linen Lampshade ($168) 8. Pleated Lampshade ($208)
9. Paper Wide Tapered Lampshade ($77) 10. Cream Silk Bell Chandelier Shade ($24) 11. Shirred Silk Chandelier Shade ($39) 12. Quatrefoil Shade ($156) 13. Linen Drum Chandelier Shade ($42) 14. Burlap Empire Chandelier Shade ($24) 15. Empire Shade ($68) 16. Satin Hexagon Bell Chandelier Shade ($31) 17. Sheer Linen Chandelier Shade ($25)
It’s no secret that some lampshades can be incredibly expensive. Below are some of my favorite lampshades (I would kill to have any of these) from some of my favorite lighting resources…
18. Tortoise Wallpaper Lampshade ($115) 19. Box Pleat Silk Square Lampshade ($115) 20. Empire Lampshade ($110) 21. Farrow & Ball High Gloss Lampshade ($300) 22. Fermoie Light Blue Lampshade ($160) 23. Hexagon Lampshade ($115) 24. Full Smocked Silk Lampshade ($220) 25. Goldilocks Lampshade ($200)
26. Scalloped Raffia Lampshade ($165) 27. Pink & Yellow Star Anise Pleated Empire Lampshade ($225) 28. Pongee Silk Box Pleat Lampshade ($149) 29. Black Parchment Chandelier Shade ($40) 30. Silk Shallow Bell Lampshade ($115) 31. Amber Mica Deep Drum Lampshade ($185) 32. Fermoie Cream Moire Lampshade ($160)
Picture Frames that Won’t Break the Bank
Another “Dear Style Snacks” asked for picture frames that don’t break the bank. I tend to gravitate towards gold frames, because I treat gold as a neutral; it looks great in any space. I also like silver, acrylic, and other classic frames. I will never go above $100 on a frame and much prefer staying well below $50.
Below are a few of my favorite picture frames…
1. Gold Faux Bamboo Frame ($42) 2. Scalloped Silver Frame ($65) 3. Metal Frame ($59) 4. Gold Wood Frame ($11) 5. Fine Silver Triple Aperture Hinged Frame ($49) 6. Gold Frame ($21) 7. Rope Frame ($40) 8. Double Magnetic Acrylic Frame ($102) 9. White Gold Vintage Frame ($24) 10. Classic Photo Frame ($49) 11. Double Gold Picture Frame ($20)
**DEAR STYLE SNACKS: If you have something you need help finding, troubleshooting, or are curious about, please leave me a comment or send me a message, and I will be sure to feature your question (with the answer) in an upcoming newsletter.**